December 31, 2011

York County Ramble

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We had a glorious New Year’s Eve hike.  We crossed the Susquehanna River and drove on increasingly narrow roads to a spot near Cuffs Run.  The weather was mild for December, into the low 50’s (F), the wind was gusty, and the sky was blue.
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Our goal was a rigorous scramble over rocks and through ravines, but the fallen leaves and wet ground made the going treacherous.  Discretion being the better part of valor, we retreated to ramble a series of dirt and paved roads through the woods and the countryside.  Wonders abounded, like this tree covered in burls:
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There were many hawks, or perhaps eagles, riding the currents aloft:
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We passed a vineyard in stasis:
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A farm gate with a reminder of our mortality:
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And a spectacular dry stone wall:
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That stretched off into the horizon:
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We came upon a weathered barn with cool gothic shutters:
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And the road seemed to roll out before us endlessly:
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When it was time to retrace our steps I spied a fallen branch sporting the dried husks of tulip poplar flowers:
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On our drive home we stopped at the John Wright Restaurant in Wrightsville for a late lunch. 
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The food was good and the ambiance pleasant, but best of all was the view of the river and the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.
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Just as I never tire of the river, I always admire the beautiful form and proportions of this bridge.
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Several years ago I made a small art quilt depicting it:

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Nearby there are some historic lime kilns:
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The stonework and masonry are fabulous:
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May the New Year bring us all peace, good health, and prosperity, and may our travels, near and far, take us to places of beauty and wonder.

3 comments:

Gerrie said...

Happy New Year to you, Sue. I love these photos from your hike in the PA wilderness!!

Marcia said...

Great pics! Thanks for sharing!!

Vivien Zepf said...

What great pictures from a great hike! Thanks for sharing.